The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a strong advisory urging its citizens in Nigeria to immediately comply with new immigration directives introduced by the Nigerian Federal Government. This advisory follows a broader warning from Donald Trump’s administration concerning the consequences for foreign nationals who overstay their visa validity, which could lead to deportation and a permanent ban on re-entry into the United States.
Prior to the embassy’s notice, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had announced that foreign nationals who overstay their visas would face strict penalties. He encouraged affected individuals to regularise their status via the immigration amnesty portal, available until the end of July.
In a statement dated July 7, 2025, and posted on its official website, the US Embassy advised American citizens in Nigeria to use the amnesty period to avoid penalties. It noted that from August 1, 2025, the Nigerian government would begin enforcing sanctions on overstayers. The statement read that a \$15 daily surcharge will be applied to each day a visa is overstayed, effective May 1, 2025. It warned that overstaying by six months or more would result in a five-year re-entry ban, while overstays of one year or more would carry a 10-year ban.
The embassy also highlighted that the newly launched online portal allows individuals with expired visa-on-arrival permits, single-entry visas, or overdue expatriate residence cards to apply for stay permits, upload necessary documents, and obtain clearance without visiting an immigration office. This aims to reduce queues, eliminate extra charges, and make compliance easier.
ource : https://punchng.com/
